Walter A. Kortrey

My sympathy to Pastor Kortrey's family, I just received the news. I was a member of Gloria Dei in the late 1940's and 1950's and remember well Pastor leading the singing in Sunday School and VBS (yes, Do Your Ears Hang Low and John Jacob Jingleheimer Shmidt) He was so important to my growing faith through Sunday School, confirmation and Luther League. Pastor Kortrey married Dick Voigt and me (1958) and baptized our first child. Fifteen years ago, when we moved to Old Saybrook, Ct, I met...

In recent years, it was my particular delight to spend afternoons with Walter. His humor, wordplay, and gentle company made sharing a cup of tea, a story, or a song into a cherished memory. Between us, we remembered all the lyrics, and our voices blended well.

Very sorry to hear the sad news, when I told my wife Marylou we went through all the songs he taught us in Sunday School many years ago at Gloria Dei. We remember fondle singing a chorus of "Do you ears hang low" during Gloria Dei's 60th aniversary dinner. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Marylou and Phil Hansen

Barbara and family,
We do not see our Christ Lutheran church family regularly now since our move but you are always in our hearts and minds. We especially remember Walter and the good times shared. And we thank God for you as his caregiver and as our friend. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Love,
Ron & Nancy

It was a pleasure to have known Walter and to be a part of his caregiving during the last weeks of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and Walters entire family.